Trump dives into election hacking issue with Putin: ‘Very robust and lengthy exchange’

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/7/donald-trump-dives-election-hacking-issue-putin-ve/

 

European Diplomatic photo

HAMBURG, GERMANY – (S.A. Miller and Sally Persons, The Washington Times.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

President Trump brought up Russia’s interference in the U.S. election at the start of his first face-to-face meeting Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, sparking “a very robust and lengthy exchange” at the G-20 Summit, Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson said.

“The president pressed President Putin on more than one occasion regarding Russian involvement. President Putin denied such involvement,” said Mr. Tillerson, who attended the highly anticipated meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

Mr. Tillerson provided a reporters a readout of the meeting, which was scheduled for 30 minutes but lasted for 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Filed Under: Breaking News, National News, Slider

Another blade found on shopping cart at Walmart in metro St. Louis

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.kmov.com/story/35829933/another-blade-found-on-shopping-cart-at-walmart-in-festus

FESTUS, MO- (KMOV, TV.  Please click on the link for the full story above.)

NOTE:  I have read several national news stories over the last few months of this happening.  There have been incidents reported in St. Louis in the last week.  This is something to keep a possible eye on in the future.

-Steve

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE SAY FAREWELL TO FALLEN BROTHER, TROOPER RYAN ALBIN #5718

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the Illinois State Police

Springfield – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials said farewell to their fallen brother, Trooper Ryan Albin, star number 5718. Hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the country made the trip to central Illinois to pay their respects to this fallen hero as well. Trooper Albin was laid to rest today with full honors at Bellflower Cemetery.Trooper Ryan Albin was killed in the line of duty on June 28, 2017, when he was traveling on I-74 westbound near Farmer City, and his vehicle collided with a box truck as both vehicles entered a construction zone. Trooper Albin joined the ISP in 2006 and was currently assigned to District 6 in Pontiac as a canine officer.

Director Leo P. Schmitz fondly recalled memories of Trooper Albin as he eulogized him during today’s funeral. “Ryan took such pride in serving and protecting. Over and over he worked to make a difference to positively impact the citizens of Illinois,” said Director Schmitz. “It will take time to heal. It will take time to rebuild. But Ryan would want us to carry on,” Schmitz added.

Trooper Albin grew up in Bellflower, Illinois. He attended Bellflower Grade School, Blue Ridge Junior High, and Blue Ridge High School. Trooper Albin obtained a bachelor’s degree from Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. Trooper Albin was an inspiration to his fellow officers who often consulted with him for guidance. He will be remembered for his work ethic and dedication to selfless service.

Trooper Albin is survived by his parents, two sisters, a six-year-old daughter and a two year-old son

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Franklin County Sheriff’s report 7/6/17

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release From Donald Jones, Franklin County Sheriff

On 7/1/17 an investigation of a suspicious vehicle at State Route 148 and Yellowbanks Road resulted in the arrest of Danielle N. Phillips, 18, of Benton for illegal consumption of alcohol.  es

On 7/2/17 at 9:12 a.m. a traffic stop at Rend Lake Dam, resulted in he arrest of David Rector, 32, of McLeansboro for driving on a suspended license.

7/1/17 at 8:00 pm, Deputies arrested Rachel Buretta, 34 of Bluford for obstructing a peace officer. This incident occurred during the festivities at Rend Lake prior to the fireworks.

7-2-17 at 12:39 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on ll. Rt. 37 at Marcum Branch Road. A 2001 Oldsmobile Alero driven by Devin P. Williams Age 22 of Benton was stopped in traffic on Rt. 37 attempting to turn left onto Marcum Branch Road. A north bound 1996 GMC Sierra failed to stop and rear ended the Oldsmobile. There were no injuries, but the driver of the GMC, Brittany N. Studebaker Age 17 of Benton was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

7-2-17 at 3:24 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on the

Elkville Blacktop at intersection with Knighthawk Road. A 2006 Honda Shadow Motorcycle driven by Gloria L. Mcklin Age 67 of Mulkeytown was attempting to turn right while a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by Sarah E. Scott-Spytek Age 37 of Royalton was attempting a left turn in the same intersection. The investigation determined that the motorcycle was traveling too fast to successfully negotiate the turn. The motorcycle rider received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott’s EMS. The driver was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

7-3-17 at 2:07 pm a traffic stop on ll. Rt. 14 and Camp Hope Road resulted in the arrest of Ronald D. Mueller Jr. Age 44 of Coello for felony driving under the influence, driving while license revoked, illegal transportation of alcohol and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

7-3-17 at 9:49 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on ll. Rt. 34 east of Akin Blacktop. A 1998 Mercury Mountainer driven by Jason M. Clark Age 35 of Creal Springs was west bound at a high rate of speed, left the roadway and overturned in a ditch. The driver received minor injuries and refused medical treatment. He was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and for driving while license suspended.

7-3-17 Deputies arrested Hunter J. Ash Age 21 of Ewing for a violation of the

Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act. Ash posted bond $3,500.00 on 7-6-17.

7-4-17 at 2:18 pm Deputies responded to a reported suspicions person on Green Meadow Road in rural Thompsonville. The incident resulted in the arrest of

Delores Louise Beyreis Age 58 of Thompsonville for obstructing a police officer.

7-6-17 at 2:52 pm Deputies responded to a report of a very young child walking unattended in rural Thompsonville. The child was located unharmed and the investigation of the incident resulted on the arrest of Melissa A. Motter Age 46 of Benton for endangered the life of health of a child.

7-6-17 at 4:00 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton that resulted in the arrest of Candace V. Perez Age 31 of Benton for domestic battery.

7-7-17 at 3:16 am Deputies investigated an order of protection violation at South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake. This resulted in the arrest of James R. Parish Age 53 of Harrisburg for unlawful violation of an order of protection.

WARRANTS

6-25-17 Dustin L. Motsinger Age 31 of Mulkeytown. Failure to appear on domestic battery.

6-25-17 Nicole J, Lydiksen Age 29 of Marion. Failure to appear on domestic battery.

6-26-17 Daniel L. Hayes Age 40 of Johnston City. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

6-26-17 Danica L. Carner Age 23 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

6-30-17 April N. Miller Age 36 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for D.U.I.

6-30-17 Jeremy R. Thiele Age 27 of Marion. Failure to appear for theft.

6-30-17 Jeresa A. Wilkens Age 37 of Thompsonville. Possession of a controlled substance.

7-1-17 Robert C. Yocum Age 47 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for felony D.U.I.

7-2-17 James B. Miller Age 50 of Murphysboro. Failure to appear for D.U.I.

7-5-17 Matthew A. Grimes Age 32 of Royalton. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-5-17 Chase A. Morgan Age 28 of Johnston City. Methamphetamine Manufacturing.

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Don Jones

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

KAUFMAN BRINGS EXPERIENCE TO RLC WOMEN’S GOLF

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Reece Rutland, Rend Lake College Sports information Director

 

Danielle “Ace” Kauffman

INA, IL– It’s been a year of homecomings for Rend Lake College athletics as three of the college’s programs have seen former players come in to take up head coaching responsibilities with their former squads. Now, with the retirement of RLC Women’s Golf Coach and Professor Cindy Corn, former Warrior links star Danielle Kaufman is making that number four.

Kaufman is a former Warrior golf standout to the tune of two RLC Athletic Hall of Fame inductions, Region XXIV Medalist honors and Third-Team All-America honors. She has been back with the college serving as the Warrior Softball Assistant Coach for the past two seasons and also manages the RLC Golf Outlet at the MarketPlace Campus. Now, she will be assuming the mantle of Head Women’s Golf Coach.

“I’ve been working with the softball team. That’s another passion of mine. Cindy was retiring, and it ended up that I was the best fit for the position given my background and history with the college both as a player and a coach,” she said.

“I’m very happy to be in this position, and I’m really looking forward to what I can do for the program. I’m excited to see where I can take it.”

Kaufman has the unique experience of working with two of the most prolific coaches in Rend Lake College’s history. Cindy Corn helmed a perennial contender on the links and served as a mentor to Kaufman when she was both a player, and later an assistant coach (2009-12), with the Women’s Golf program.

On the softball diamond, Kaufman has served as the right hand of Dave Ellingsworth for the past two seasons, getting to see the 24-year veteran in action. She also worked with Ellingsworth when she was a student at RLC.

“They are both kind of different in their own ways,” Kaufman said with a grin. “I’m looking forward to taking some of the lessons from Dave and lessons from Cindy and using them to build on my own coaching style. Learning from two of the best coaches at RLC has been great.”

It’s been a big year for Kaufman in the realm of athletics. After a team induction to the RLC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014, the former Warrior golfer notched her own plaque on the wall this year with an individual induction. Since the inaugural class in 2000, only a select handful of others have been inducted both individually and part of a team.

“I’m really looking forward to trying to do the same for my student athletes for years to come,” expressed Kaufman. “I’d love for my team to have the kind of achievements that make them hall of famers as well. I am eager to cultivate that success in our athletes.

“Being a former player is going to help me relate to them what’s happening. Every level is different. This level will be a lot different than high school. Anyone who goes on to the four-year level is going to see a different game than they experience here. So, for those players that are going to go on, I have that experience that I can help them grow into the players they need to be to complete at that next level.”

Kaufman has already hit the ground running in her new role.

She said she has already reached out to her returning players and is in the recruitment process to fill out slots left behind by last year’s graduates.

“I’m going to really be focused on motivating the team. I want to try and build as much confidence as I can. I’m very versed in helping players develop their swing and helping them become the most accurate golfer they can be. We are really going to be working on eliminating missed hits. If we get them confident and work on eliminating the bad swings, we are going to have success,” she explained.

Prior to coming back to RLC, she was a Golf/Teaching Pro for Indian Ridge Golf Club in Oxford, Ohio, when she was hired in March 2014 as the Women’s Coach at Indiana University East.

In addition to her coaching responsibilities, she will also continue to manage and maintain the RLC Golf Outlet at the MarketPlace Campus as well as teaching golf lessons to community members, duties she has maintained since returning to the college in 2015.

The Lady Warrior Golf team will have three returning players this season. Kaufman has a few fresh faces already lined out for this year’s team and also has a few prospects she is actively recruiting.

“I’m just super excited. I can’t wait to get started and see what the team can bring to the table,” Kaufman said.

 

Filed Under: College Sports, Sports

Search continues for missing man from Karnak, IL

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/35763517/search-continues-for-missing-man-from-karnak-il

GRAND CHAIN, IL  –  (Jasmine Adams, KFVS-TV.  Please click for the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Search crews will resume their search on the Ohio River for a man from Karnak, Illinois who went missing on June 25.

According to a family member, Shawn Neill, 42, went camping Saturday night on June 24 behind the Grand Chain Lodge.

The last time anyone saw Neill was on Sunday afternoon, June 25, between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

They said he stopped by his mom’s house the next afternoon for dinner and went back to his camping location after visiting with his parents.

The family member said he went back and forth between the camp site to his parent’s house on an ATV.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Marginal risk of severe thunderstorms today

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

There is a marginal risk (level one of five) for severe thunderstorms for Southern Illinois, mainly for the afternoon and evening hours.

There is a line of intense, but non severe storms, that extends from the Quincy area, all the way back to Jefferson City, MO.  If these stay together, the could possibly intensify in the heat of the day.

There might be some pop up storms intensify to severe levels.  To me it looks like an event in which there might be a couple of warnings issued.  As of now, this will not be an organized severe weather event.

If you are traveling east, the threat for severe weather is greater in the Evansville area, and for the counties along the Wabash river as well.

After this passes t0day, we should have a nice weekend with highs in the mid to upper 80’s with storm chances increasing Tuesday through Thursday.

Here is the Hazardous Weather Outlook for the National Weather Service of Paducah, KY.

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will be possible later this
afternoon and this evening. An isolated severe storm or two
cannot be ruled out. Damaging wind gusts and hail would be the
main concerns.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Saturday through Thursday

Isolated to scattered thunderstorm will be possible Tuesday
through Thursday. The main hazards with any storms would be
dangerous lightning and heavy rain. An isolated strong to severe
storm cannot be ruled out, especially during the heat of the day.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation cannot be ruled out today, mainly over
southwest Indiana and northwest Kentucky.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Thompsonville finishes their summer at .500

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

It is July, and I was talking High School basketball this morning.  I will be getting to the rest of you in the next few days.

It was not biased, but I grabbed Pete Gordon first.  The reason was he was on Facebook when I did.  Matt Morgan was going to be next.  Most of you know that when I get to talking HS basketball, I get very long winded.

I will try to get to everyone in the next couple weeks.  It might be a while to get a hold of Kevin Toney.  He will probably be out west until week seven of the football season.

The Tigers got off to a quick 3-2 start last year with two victories over NCOE, and a win over cross county  Zeigler-Royalton in the consolation championship of  the Christopher Turkey Tournament.

The Tigers finished 7-18 last year.  There were high hopes after a 9-19 season in 2015-16.  Here were two things from last season.  T’ville was banged up, and there was a very good crop of seniors across Southern Illinois.

Thompsonville was very competitive down the stretch last year.  They gave Sweet 16 Gallatin County all they wanted, and with two starters with the flu bug, they hung around most of the night with Elite Eight Woodlawn in the first round  of the regionals.

In a quarterfinal game of the Murphysboro Sophomore Tournament, the Tigers gave 3A Breese Central all they wanted.  For the Cougars were a couple kids that played significant minutes, on the team that fell to Centralia in the Benton Sectional.

When I asked Coach Gordon about their summer, this is what he said, ” We were 9-9 (summer style games) which isn’t exactly the best measure to use. I subbed 5 for 5 most of the time assuring everyone equal minutes, which probably cost us a few wins.  I was very pleased with our summer effort.  There was very good participation.  We never had everyone there at the same time but most of the core guys were there.

We faced Webber Township, Z-R, Joppa, Waltonville (twice), Elverado, West Frankfort, Chester, Benton JV, NCOE (twice), Gallatin County (twice),  Hardin County, New Athens, and Trico.
He said they split with GEC foe Gallatin County, and defeated Elverado and NCOE without Tyson Kessler, who is one of the most underrated 1A point guards in Southern Illinois in my book.
We were talking about the GEC race.  Coach Gordon thinks they have a good shot to win the conference.  If it was November and I would be writing a preview, I would have Thompsonville slotted in the two slot, right behind Doug Miller’s Gallatin County Hawks.
I would have thrown Carrier Mills in the mix, but Keil Peebles lost his point guard Will Gibbs.  He will be still wearing purple, but for Randy Smithpeters’ Harrisburg Bulldogs.
Rod Wallace has a lot coming back at Galatia, so does Rodney Lane at Hardin County.  Crab Orchard will not be as strong as they have been but they are still Crab Orchard.  Norris City and Pope County will be young.  I have heard through the grapevine the youngest of the Floyd brothers is not playing this year. There will not be any give me games across the conference.
The conversation drifted to the Christopher Turkey Tournament.  Pete said he would like to see a top four seed at the Tourney.  I started talking bracketology with Tom Wheeler last year around late September.
When I was talking with Pete about the tournament, I used my scientific approach to come up with the bracket in late July.
Here is the bracket.  I will learn to draw them on Excel before the start of basketball season.  (Franklin County Schools in Caps)
Monday, November 20th.
6:15 p.m.  THOMPSONVILLE vs. Wayne City
7:45 p.m.  CHRISTOPHER vs.  Norris City-Omaha-Enfield
Tuesday, November 21st.
6:15  p.m.  New Athens vs. Waltonville
7;45  p.m.  Webber Township vs. ZEIGLER-ROYALTON
I know I write with a Thompsonville bias.  I will call them we at times.  It just happens when you slid a jersey over your head at least 100 times.
I told Coach Gordon, I would like to see a top eight seed at Sesser-Valier also.
Speaking of tournaments, if you have not been to championship night of the GEC tournament, it would be well worth your trip to Southeastern Illinois College.  It is close to a sectional final atmosphere.
There has been high hopes on the east side of Franklin County for this bunch coming up since Junior High.
Coach Gordon said that for GEC standards they will be huge.  In my book they will be huge for River to River standards.
In the middle will be 6′ 7″ junior, Anthoney Darge, who Gordon said had a great summer.  He will be joined in the post by 6′ 5″ senior Jake Dixon.  Reed Raubach, a 6′ 4″ junior will play the three.  Corbin Fitch a 6′ 3″ sophomore will play the two, and Tyson Kessler a 5′ 11″ junior will play the point.
The Tigers will have a much deeper bench this year.  Sophomore guard Peyton Roberts, a transfer from Benton will provide some depth in the backcourt, and has more than a good shot to start.  Junior Trey Bybee can shoot the lights out.  Junior post player Tyler Jones played some big varsity minutes late in the year.
The Tigers have never won a regional title.  In fact, they have only appeared in one championship game, losing a heart breaker to West Frankfort in 2004 at the Johnston City Class 1A regional.
On this steamy July night,  HS basketball is a little over four months away.

 

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports

I-57 mural to remember Harrison’s Benton connection

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170705/i-57-mural-to-remember-harrisons-benton-connection

BENTON, IL – (Rick Hayes, Benton News.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Intrigued by the connection between Beatles star George Harrison and the city of Benton, a California artist will donate his talents later this summer by painting a life-size mural.

John Cerney is a Salinas, Calif., native whose artwork is described as “giant cut-out art,” ordinarily viewed from the comfort of an automobile. Cerney’s work has been featured in numerous magazines, books and newspapers over the years, including National Geographic, Sunset Magazine, Reader’s Digest and the New York Times.

“He chose Benton to donate his art for one year. He chooses somewhere across the country every year,” said Rachel Gartner, the city’s marketing director. “He is interested in the story behind George Harrison visiting his sister (Louise) here.

Filed Under: Benton News, Featured, Slider

Royalton High School “Pirates”

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id381.html

Royalton High School building in the early 1960’s

ROYALTON, IL  (Illinois High School Glory Days.  Please Click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Royalton (population 1,130) is located in far southern Illinois about 12 miles southeast of DuQuoin. In its “hey day” in the early 1900s Royalton enjoyed a population of over 3,800!  Illinois Route 149 is the main roadway to and from this southwestern Franklin County town.  The town’s area was settled in the mid 1850s but it was not recognized as an official Illinois town until 1907.  the Missouri Pacific Railroad runs to the southeast of town.  A branch of the Big Muddy River flows through the south side of Royalton.  For some EXCELLENT history and facts about Royalton and its former High School please visit the town’s official website at:
A school was established in Royalton by the late 1800s.  Royalton High School served the town as, at first, a three year school, and later earning a four year high school status.  The original school building was found unsafe in 1936.  A new building was quickly constructed and ready for use in 1937.  This is the building you see pictured above.  Royalton High continued to be the pride and joy of Royalton residents until the early 1960s.  It was then that dwindling enrollment led to a consolidation effort with its neighbor four miles to the northeast, Zeigler.  This effort became a reality in 1962 with the creation of the Zeigler-Royalton School District.
 
Filed Under: Featured, Royalton News, Slider, Zeigler News
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